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The Menendez Brothers, Erik, and Lyle, have scored a small victory in their efforts for freedom. Shortly after the new D.A. Nathan Hochman spoke against their resentencing, California governor Gavin Newsom shared an important update. The politician revealed the infamous siblings would appear before the parole board on June 13 for a hearing. The date marked a significant step in Erik and Lyle’s battle for freedom, with Newsom noting they could gain clemency.
After the hearing, the board would reportedly finalize their risk assessment investigations. This process was carried out to determine whether or not the brothers were still a threat to society. After the risk assessment investigations, the parole board shall report their findings to Newsom. The governor then considers their verdict part of his decision to grant the brothers clemency or forfeit their freedom. Fortunately for Erik and Lyle, their release was not solely dependent on the politician, per TMZ.
Erik and Lyle Menendez Have a Second Shot at Freedom
Besides the clemency route, Newsom noted the risk assessment results would be sent to a judge for possible resentencing. Erik and Lyle could receive a lighter sentence and escape prison based on time served. However, this path might be tricky because D.A. Hochman was against the brothers’ resentencing.
Some fans called out the D.A. on X while celebrating the brothers’ possible release after 35 years behind bars. “THANK YOU, GOVERNOR NEWSOM!! The way the DA has spoken about this case is shameful and reprehensible to all victims of child abuse and sexual abuse,” someone declared. Another echoed similar sentiments, noting this was a “huge moment” for the brothers.
A third believed Erik and Lyle would soon leave their prison cells for good, claiming, “California will let them out.” However, not everyone was supportive, with an X user stressing that going before a parole board did not guarantee freedom. “As long as the brothers continue using that false narrative of ‘abuse’ they will never be let out as they have not taken full responsibility,” the individual argued.
Why the L.A. County District Attorney Rejected the Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing
Hochman, the new D.A. for Los Angeles County, did not mince his words when rejecting the Menendez brothers’ resentencing. We covered the story, reporting that he found multiple reasons to throw the motion out the window. Hochman cited the “unaddressed lies” in Erik and Lyle’s case, noting the jury for their second trial dismissed any assertion of self-defense.
The resentencing motion was put into play by the former D.A. George Gascรณn, an avid supporter of the Menendez brothers. He moved to set them free in 2024, advocating for their parole and revisiting their sexual abuse claims. Erik and Lyle accused their late father of assaulting them and their mother, an accomplice, for letting it happen.
They backed up their claims of Josรฉ’s abuse by sharing a declaration from a former Menudo Member, Roy Rossello. The latter accused the Menendez patriarch of sexually assaulting him in the 80s. Additionally, Erik and Lyle received support from family members, including two aunts, who pleaded for release.
Will Erik and Lyle Menendez be able to convince the parole board of their innocence?
